CONFIDENTIAL
2
172
(160)
(contd)
4.
Canada.
The Canadians were the first off the mark and to a certain extent have creamed off the best of the refugees. They have told me about the extra 100 the Canadian Cabinet have added to the numbers who may be sent from Hong Kong (Ottawa telegram No. 299). They have already despatched 140 from the camps and should have no difficulty filling the seats which they have booked on aeroplanes on 6 June and 10 June (a total of 71). The position is that they will have no trouble taking up to 300 refugees within this "quota" and they will also be able to take an (as yet) indeterminate number of others who are "sponsored" or "nominated" by people in Canada. As the refugees who have already reached Canada settle down, they may be able to find sponsors and nominators for some of the people here. The chances therefore of the Canadians taking between 400 and 500 are reasonably good.
5.
France.
The Consulate-General has so far "processed" 400 individuals and believes that they can eventually resettle a bigger number than this in France. They have already sent 111 from the camps by air to France and they are hopeful that a minimum of 50 will be flown out each week. But they are handicapped by the smallness of their staff and the fact that they are simultaneously having to process refugees in transit from Guam to France.
6. Belgium.
The Belgian Vice-Consul has told me that Belgium will take 10 of our refugees from the camps. The Belgians have been sympathetic and helpful here, and their gesture is most welcome.
7.
Australia.
The Commission have disappointingly only sent five of our refugees to Australia, but things are held up because of the policy line currently taken by Mr. Whitlam. Nevertheless, the team of immigration experts mentioned in Canberra telegram No. 477 has already arrived and there is some hope that a few of our refugees will eventually go to Australia. But I think the
emphasis will be on "few", unless much greater pressure than we can generate here is brought to bear at the top reaches of the Australian government.
CONFIDENTIAL
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